Your Marriage Proposal Checklist – 10 things to do to plan the perfect proposal
They say you know when you know, so you’ve met the love of your life and you’re certain it’s time to take those next steps forward in your story together and propose… but how can you make sure everything is absolutely perfect? We’ve got a checklist of 10 tips on how you can plan the perfect proposal so you can make sure this once in a lifetime moment is the best it possibly can be, from planning through to preparation…
Discuss marriage ahead of time
Most likely you will have both discussed, daydreamed and dreamt about this moment together but if you haven’t, why not bring the subject up to ensure you’re both on the right page regarding the subject. It’s an incredibly big decision and step for the both of you, so it’s super important to ensure you’re both on the same wavelength and have the same needs and wants. Then you can get to planning with the knowledge that it’s something you both desire.
Talk to her parents or close family for their blessing, as well as tips and ideas
Depending on how traditional you are, or how traditional your partner's family are, you might want to ask them for their blessing for your partner’s hand in marriage. But if you’re not asking for a blessing, it’s a great idea to chat to your partner's family anyway for any tips and ideas for potential proposal ideas. They might have mentioned something that they’d like or a dream location for a proposal so it might give you some new and exciting ideas and tips for how to make it extra special.
Make sure you have the ring details sorted
Physically, one of the most important elements of the proposal, it’s essential to know your partner's ring size and preferred style of ring before you propose. We have some great tips on finding the perfect engagement ring here, from cut to colour as well as a ring size guide. Then when you pop the question, you can feel relaxed knowing the engagement ring will be absolutely perfect.
Decide how you’ll ask the big question…
You know your partner better than anyone so it’s time to decide how you’ll pop the question! Will it be a grand gesture or an intimate and quiet proposal shared only between the two of you? Will there be family and friends involved? Will it be over dinner or in front of a beautiful view, or both?! There are many things to think about and so many ways of proposing so have a think and write down some ideas on things your partner would potentially love and what the two of you will remember and cherish years down the line…
Pick The Perfect Location
As well as the gesture, the location also plays a huge factor in setting the scene for a marriage proposal. Whilst your planning, think of locations that have been sentimental and meant a lot to you both, is there anywhere that holds a lot of cherished memories that would be perfect to pop the question? Or do you want to try somewhere fresh and new to make it exciting and unexpected? Either way, the location sets the scene for the whole proposal.
Need inspiration on locations to propose in Scotland? Why not check out 15 of the most romantic spots to propose in Scotland or 10 of the most romantic fairytale wedding venues in Scotland..
Hire a proposal photographer to capture the moment
If you’re looking at planning a perfect proposal it’s really worth thinking about getting your marriage proposal captured by a professional photographer. Marriage proposals truly are a once in a lifetime moment, unique to you both, that will be a huge part of your story as a couple. If you’re considering asking your partner to marry you, my proposal photography style focuses on being unnoticed and capturing genuine emotions in the moment so take a look at my work and get in touch so I can secretly photograph your amazing moment.
Make note of small details, make it personal
We all love it when someone takes note of the little things right? See if you can weave any of those small minute things you love about your partner, the things they love or the way they do things into the proposal so that you can make it extra special and sentimental. The more personal the proposal, the bigger the impact…
Pick a date and time
Do you want the proposal to be on a beautiful summer's evening at sunset, what about in the middle of the day when the sun is at its best, or perhaps you want to ask the question under the dark twinkling stars? Planning the season and the time of day or night will help make things easier when booking and planning the moment so you can get all the details absolutely perfect.
Plan your words and write them down
You could plan the best proposal in the world but if one thing is certain, your partner will want to know how much they mean to you. As Dumbledore says in Harry Potter “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic” so make sure you plan something special to make your proposal truly one of a kind…
Pop the question and celebrate!
You’ve got all the details planned down to a t and now it’s time to ask the question, make sure you’ve got the ring, all the bookings are confirmed and get ready for one of the most exciting moments of your life. Remember that your marriage proposal is a once in a lifetime opportunity so just relax and enjoy it, then once your partner has said yes be sure to tell all your friends and family about the amazing news…
Then onto the next steps… planning the perfect wedding!